Moon Child

A mix of fantasy, supernatural thriller, and surreal odyssey, this fantasia from Spanish filmmaker Agustí Villaronga follows the odyssey of a bullied orphan with telekinetic powers who is brought to a research center harboring children and adults with similar abilities. Enrique Saldana, who plays the curious orphan David—with wide eyes and an agape mouth—wears an expression of perpetual anxiety. After David discovers that the scientific facility is run by a cabal of ruthless occultists who are plotting to bring the fabled "Moon Child" into the world and are willing to sacrifice their test subjects in the process, he runs off with other targets to find sanctuary in Africa. Lisa Gerrard (of the cult band Dead Can Dance, which also provides the dreamy soundtrack) plays Georgina, the alcoholic, dimwitted young woman impregnated with the Moon Child, and Maribel Martín costars as an agent torn between serving the cause and protecting David as she tracks him to Africa, where he is taken in by a local tribe. Inspired by the 1923 novel Moonchild by notorious occultist Aleister Crowley, this largely forgotten cult movie takes viewers on a surreal journey filled with beautiful and mysterious imagery (including dramatic shots of the moon as David unleashes his power). Extras include an interview with the director, isolated score tracks by Dead Can Dance, and a photo gallery. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)